The former welterweight titlist has not competed since taking a
split decision against Johny
Hendricks at UFC 167 in November 2013. His return against
Bisping was initially announced in March, but injury issues for
both fighters nixed the promotion’s targeted summer date. The bout
appeared to be off the table, and UFC President Dana White revealed
that GSP would instead challenge for welterweight gold upon his
return. However, White elected to revisit the booking following
what he perceived to be a subpar performance by reigning 170-pound
king Tyron
Woodley in a victory over Demian Maia
at UFC 214.

Bisping captured the middleweight belt with a first-round knockout
of Luke
Rockhold at UFC 199, and then made his first defense with a
five-round verdict against Dan
Henderson at UFC 204 this past October. Lingering issues from a
minor knee surgery have kept the Englishman sidelined since
then.